Christmas Party & Santa

Sunday my parent's hosted our Family Christmas party. It was such a fun party! My parents have made it a tradition to have a party with just their children and their little families on the Sunday before Christmas. We have a delicious dinner, a talent show, a nativity that is acted out by the children, and then we open gifts. We had such a great time with everyone...even though the boys got in a heated debate about sports! My parents are so generous and so thoughtful with their gifts. I have never met anyone who puts more thought into their gifts than my mom. She bought Lilly some fun toys and the most adorable coat you have ever seen. Lilly also took part in the nativity...she was an angel. She really liked all the hustle and bustle that was going on. I know she is going to have a ball with her cousins when she gets older!

Lilly in her fancy new coat. How bout those cheeks!

The kids acting out the Nativity.

Yes, that is Ellie in her undershirt and tights. She was making me laugh so hard!

With her Papa

Lilly wearing her fluffy angel head band.

On Saturday, our dear friend and Lilly's "adopted Grandma" (that's what we like to call her because she is like a Grandma to Lilly) came to the door carrying some treats and a pack of Coke Zero with a big red bow around it for Anton. So cute! When she was here she was asking if Lilly had gone to see Santa yet. We hadn't taken her yet, so she offered to have her husband Jim bring home his Santa outfit so we could go over and get pictures with him. Jim starts growing out his beard in July so he can have it in time for Christmas so he can play Santa at Wheeler Farm. They were so incredibly thoughtful to do that for Lilly. It was so cute how he came in jingling the bells. Lilly really liked him, I was surprised! I thought for sure she would be afraid, but she wasn't. We love Jim & Diane...they are such sweet people.

And, last but not least, we want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!! We hope you have a wonderful holiday, and a very happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Love,

The Brog Family

Anton, Liz, Lillian, Diva & Cooper

It's Here!

The pearly white has arrived! It is itty bitty, but oh so sharp. I would take a picture, although it is nearly impossible for you to even look at it. Every time I try and open her mouth to see it, she thinks I am playing. A few other fun things....she says "Da Da" now. I am sure she doesn't know what Da Da means, but it is still adorable that she is saying that. Also, she sits in the grocery cart now. We went Christmas shopping last night at Target, and I wanted to show Anton how she sits in the cart. Needless to say, she thinks she is one hot mamma when she is sitting on her own. About a half hour in, she gets a little tired though, and starts to slump over. I don't think it is humanly possible to love her more than we do. Life could not be better. We love you Lily Bug!(These pictures below aren't the best quality, but it shows how awesome she thinks she is when she is sitting straight up.)

Recap

* Thanksgiving was fabulous!! My mom is a wonderful cook, so the Thanksgiving dinner was delicious. Anton said "I think this is the best Thanksgiving dinner I have ever had". I second that.

* We got to see Antons sister Nicole and her husband Jeremy while they were in town for the holiday. It was so fun! Thanks for the laughs :)

*Lilly has had a bad cold. We didn't get to go to St. George with Anton this weekend because she wasn't feeling well. Poor thing. She definitely knows how to sport a runny nose.

* I think the first tooth is on its way. Lets just say today has been the day from you know where.

* I painted the bathroom cabinets....I am working on the kitchen now. What a job!! I always think house projects look easy...then I get working on them and think 'why am I doing this'?

* Finished most of my Christmas shopping on Saturday. That Macy's one day sale is the best!

* Did you notice I spelled Lilly's name different than I usually do? I have been spelling her name with one L, but her full name has two L's, so I think Lilly should be with two L's as well. What do you think?

* I am exhausted. Can you tell? It has been a long week. Having a sick little Lilly is hard work. My bed is calling, gotta go.

Happy Thanksgiving!

With my cute husband being home from work tomorrow, and getting ready for the big feast, I thought today would be an appropriate day to do a Happy Thanksgiving post! Today I feel so thankful for so many things. So, I am warning you ahead of time, this is a very long post!! First, my Lily. I remember when Lily was first born, we were running back and forth from the hospital and I was in so much pain, I would think to myself 'what have I done'. I was so depressed, and was too embarrassed and ashamed to say to anyone because here I had this healthy beautiful little girl and there are so many people who can't have children, or those who have lost their precious child. The change was so hard for me and Anton. It wasn't just US anymore, doing whatever we want whenever we want. Someone had come between us. I was almost resentful of Lily. Terrible, I know. So, you are probably asking yourself "where are you going with all this"? This morning Lily started jabbering in her room around 6:15. I walked in there, and she smiled at me great big. She was so excited to see me! I picked her up and fed her, then I grabbed her blanket and went into our bedroom. I laid her down on my pillow, and snuggled up next to her. Anton rolled over and immediately he runs his fingers through her hair and kisses her face and her little hands. Here was this little person, between us. It was the best feeling in the world. It was so quiet and there we were, just staring at this most precious little girl. I didn't know it was possible to love someone the way I love Lily. I am so thankful that she has come into our lives. She has changed me. She had made me a softer person, and she has made me want to be better. I know I can also speak for Anton when I say that being a parent is so much better than we ever could have imagined. When Anton comes home from work, he always goes right up to Lily and hugs her and tells her how much he loves her. Last night I was in the other room and I heard him tell her "Seeing you is the best part of my day". It melted my heart. I am SO thankful for Anton. Where would I be without him? I am so lucky to have my husband as my best friend. Last night we sat on the computer for about an hour and just laughed and laughed at some of the things we were looking at. It was so silly, yet so fun. I love that I can be myself with him. He knows me so well, and he loves me no matter how I look or how grumpy I may get. He is such a good man, such an adorable father, and an amazing husband. I love him so much. I am also so thankful for my family. I couldn't have been born into a better family. I can't begin to express how much my parents mean to me. They are such good people. I am thankful for all the things they taught me and for the way they raised me. Sure, I have made mistakes in my life, but it was never because my parents didn't teach me or raise me well. They were and still are such incredible parents. They are such cute grandparents...all their grand kids go nuts when they see them. It is so cute! I love my parents so dearly. I think I might have the funniest brothers around. I always have such a blast when my family gets together. I am so thankful to have two beautiful sisters whom I am so close with. Each and every one of my siblings have qualities that I admire. I am so lucky to be their "little sister". I am also so thankful for my in laws. They are such loving and accepting people. I felt so welcomed the very first time I met them. They always make us laugh when we are around them. And, how could I not love them, they raised Anton into the man that he is. Next, my cute grandparent. They are all still alive, and still in good health. I love Antons grandparents as though they are my own. I am so thankful for the special relationships I have with my grandparents. I am also so thankful for good friends. I have such fun friends I grew up with, and have met such dear friends in the recent years since I have been married. I am so lucky to have them! And, last but not least, I am so thankful for the gospel. I am so thankful for the peace and happiness it brings into my life. It couldn't be a better feeling knowing I am with my family for all eternity. I am so thankful for the atonement, and for the Savior. I get emotional just thinking about it. I am so thankful for all of the many many blessings that have come into my life. As you can well see, there are so many things I am thankful for, and this is just the beginning!! I hope each of you have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Checkup!

Here are the stats from Lily's 6 month doctors visit...

Weight: 14 lbs. 12 oz.

Height: 25 1/4"

Shots: Hated all 4 of them. Good thing her dad was there to comfort her. Poor thing.

Cooper and his "lady friend" down the street had puppies. This was his last litter. They are DARLING! If you know of anyone interested, let me know!

Winter is coming...

...and Lily is ready!(isn't this hat cute? my friend made it for her...i love it)

Sub for Santa

My family has been involved with a refugee organization here in Salt Lake. We have been asked to find some beds for families that are sleeping on the floors of their homes. If any of you have anything or a slightly used mattress that is sitting in storage that you might be willing to donate, please let me know and we can arrange to pick it up and have it delivered.

Also, if you are thinking you would like to do a Sub for Santa this year with your family or youth group, let me know! There are 90 refugee families that we would like to find Sub for Santa's for.

And, starting in January, the Refugee Center will be doing tours. It may be a neat experience to take your youth group or your family to hear some of the stories of the refugees. So, if you are interested in any of this, please let me know! And, pass on this information to anyone you think might be interested! Thanks!!

All About Me

I am... Elizabeth Woodward Brog, mom to Lillian Virginia, and wifey to Anton R Brog.
I know... I am very blessed.
I want... to start my Christmas shopping.
I wish... I could just loose this last 10 pounds.
I had... such a good nights rest. I love that Lily is sleeping through the night.
I hate... when I see little kids picking on other little kids. It breaks my heart.
I miss... Europe. I can't wait to go visit there again one day.
I fear... that something will happen to my loved ones.
I feel... so lucky to have my little family.
I hear... the computer buzzing, and the dogs fighting over a bone.
I smell... our new carpet.
I crave... Cheesecake Factory for some reason.
I search... the Internet often for cute things for Lily.
I wonder... what Lily is thinking. I love to watch her look at everything.
I regret... not enjoying my college experience more.
I love... my little family.
I care... about celebrity gossip too much.
I always... fix my sheets before I go to bed.
I am not... a competitive person. In fact, I am the complete opposite. It drove my dad nuts when I played tennis because I wasn't more competitive.
I believe... in miracles.
I could... go for a diet coke right about now.
I dance... with Lily sometimes.
I sing... terribly.
I don't always... stand up for myself.
I write... letters to Lily for her Baby Book.
I win... sometimes. But if I am playing Anton in golf, I will most definitely win. :)
I lose... things very rarely.
I never... will hike Angels Landing. NEVER.
I never listen... to the kind of music where they just sit and scream. Hate it.
I can usually be found... at home with Anton and Lily.
I am scared of... spiders.
I need... to become more organized.
I am happy about... Christmas coming soon!

1st Snow!

I was surprised to see snow today! We have had such a beautiful fall, so it was expected that winter was right around the corner...but I am always surprised when it really snows for the first time. I took Lily out this morning to look at it, and she just stared at it. I like to think she was thinking it looked pretty. Lily turned 6 months last week. She makes me so happy...I can't even stand it! She is starting to have the most special relationship with her dad. She loves to play with him...especially when he puts her on his shoulders and he tickles her belly. She just laughs and squeals in delight. Her laugh is so adorable. I love it! My lips are constantly chapped because I give her close to 500 kisses a day. Chapped lips are worth it - I love kissing her fat cheeks, and that skinny little neck. She is a special little bug. One of my very favorite things: every day we go into her cozy little room, grab her blankie and a book, and rock in the glider until she falls asleep. Once she falls asleep I can't help but stare at her. It is the most precious thing. I'm in love. Here are some funny things about Lily that I have noticed in the last month or so:

*She is constantly sucking and playing with her feet, that they stink all the time!!

*She has a big fat crush on Mickey Mouse. She smiles great big every time she seems him on the TV. I showed my parents how she smiles at him...they laughed so hard. It is hysterical!

*She smiles so big at Anton every time he is talking to me. She thinks he is talking to her.

*She is learning how to play 'bashful'. She does it to Anton all the time.

*She thinks I am really funny. It helps my self esteem :)

Happy Halloween!

Halloween has always been one of my favorite holidays, and this year it was a blast. Lily made the day so fun! We went and visited all the great-grandparents, her daddy at work, my office, Nana & Papa, and we took her trick-or-treating to the neighbors. She was the most darling little Fairy you have ever seen (I can say that, I am her mom!)!! By the end of the day, she was tuckered out. Here are some of our picture from Lily's first Halloween!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Poor Baby

Lily has been feeling under the weather the last few days with a terrible sore throat and a fever. I feel so bad for her. Poor little thing.

New Do

Dear Mom & Dad,

I love my sweet new hair cut. I really appreciate you trying out your "grooming skills" on me. But, maybe next time you should just take me to the groomer instead.

Love,

Diva

I Did It!!

Well, the triathlon is over! I am so proud of myself for finishing! I was sooo nervous when it started that I had such a huge knot in my stomach. But, once I started I calmed down a little bit. I made pretty good time...I finished in 1 hour, which was my goal, so I am really happy about it. It was such a great feeling crossing that finish line...I was so happy, and it was so fun having everyone there cheering us on! I did better on the swim and run than I thought, but the bike was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be. It was so fun to do it with my friends and family. Congratulations Anna, Katie, Amy and April! I am so proud of you guys, you did so awesome - and I am so happy we were all in it together. And, congratulations to me for competing and finishing my first triathlon!!Here I am after I crossed the finish line. Sorry, this is the only picture you get. Don't think I am about to post a picture of me in my swimsuit and bike shorts :)

On a different note, I finished the best book on the drive down. This book will now be one of my very favorites. I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this book. The way it is written is so clever, and it is so much fun to read. I hardly ever get emotional when I am reading books, but this one really got me. I was so sad it when it was over. I highly recommend it...I loved it.

Monster Tree

We have had this monster tree in our backyard that we have been wanting to get rid of so we can put in a fence. We hired a guy to come take it out, but the thing is so big his chain saw broke while cutting it...so he wanted to charge us a whole lot more to take it out. Anton was having none of it. So, Anton thought he would take a stab at it himself. He has been chopping away at this tree for quite some time now. Well, last week my dad was over and he said, "why don't you just pull your truck onto the lawn, and pull it out with chains". So, we went to Lowes, dusted off the good old truck, pulled it onto the lawn...and this is what happened.It was so fun to watch it come out! It is such a relief for Anton to finally have it out. The truck tore up some of the lawn, but it is worth it to have that dang tree out. Way to go Anton!

Almost here...

This is a big week for me! This Saturday, I am competing in my very first triathlon. I am both nervous and excited. Probably a little more nervous than excited! But, in the end I will be so proud of myself for finishing....and that's all I care about. I don't need to be super quick or amazing at it...I just need to finish. And, I will. St. George here we come! Wish me luck!!

Love

I love her.

Out and About

In my opinion the weather the last two days has been absolutely perfect! Since the weather has been so great...why not take advantage of it?! On Tuesday my mom and sisters (and their kids) went to Gardner Village to see the witches they put out for Halloween. Darling! As I mentioned before, the weather was perfect, and it was so fun to be together. Then, that night we had my cute parents over for dinner. The dinner turned out delicious, and we had a great time. Lily performed for them like you can't believe. She was so funny, she made us laugh so hard. Then, today, my sister called and said "I know this is really last minute, but do you want to go golfing?"... I was lucky my granny was available to tend because we had SO MUCH FUN! We always laugh so hard. It was just the three of us...me, my mom and my sister Anna (my sister Emily couldn't find a sitter). So, I don't know what is on the agenda for tomorrow, but I am sure Lily and I will find something fun to do!

Fun Weekend

Lily's sleeping pattern has been a little funny the last two weeks or so...she has been waking up more than she normally does. And, she hasn't been feeling well because she has been having a hard time going to the bathroom...and I read that if a nursing baby is having trouble going to the bathroom, it is because they aren't getting enough to eat. The writing was on the wall...I finally had to break down and give Lily some rice cereal. So, after we went out to dinner on Friday we stopped by the store and picked up some cereal for her. We thought for sure she would hate it. Not exactly the case. She was SMACKING! It was so funny! She loved it. And, to make things even better...she only got up once for about 10 minutes, then slept in until 9! It was fabulous. And, her other little 'problem' is working itself out. So, it turns out giving her some rice cereal was the answer! Another big thing Lily did....she turned over! I was in kitchen yesterday, and Anton yelled "Lily just turned over". I didn't believe it, so went to see for myself...there she was laying on her belly. Way to go Lily Bug!We had such a fun night on Friday...we went out to dinner, then went shopping for some clothes for Lily. Believe it or not, this was the first time I have actually bought clothes for Lily. Between my mom, Antons mom and all the gifts we received when she was born, I haven't had to buy anything. So, it was fun to go and buy her some new fall clothes. The rest of the weekend was so fun and laid back. I love General Conference weekend for that exact reason. I love staying home and watching conference in my sweats all day. During the sessions on Sunday, we took a drive up Little Cottonwood canyon. The colors were beautiful, and it had snowed. Lily got to feel snow for the first time! Then we came home listened to the rest of conference, took the dogs on a walk, and had a delicious dinner. It was such a fun and relaxing weekend.

5 Months

Our Lily Bug is 5 months old today. We are so crazy about her!! This month it seemed like she discovered something new each day....

*grabbing her toes and putting them in her mouth

*giggling when we tickle her - her laugh is so funny

*grabbing and putting everything in her mouth

*gooing and gooing - she is a very vocal little girl

Fall!

I LOVE fall. I love everything about it! It is funny how every time fall comes around, I feel like being a "domestic diva". I always want to cook, and make my house cozy for my little family. So, in honor of fall...here are some of my favorite things.

The most DELICIOUS candle! I am telling you, this one is a good one.


Last night we made caramel apples. Yummy!!


We went up the canyon on Sunday after church. The colors are just starting to change. It is so beautiful up there.


I always love when fall rolls around, because that means I can eat soup again! I love Butternut Squash Soup.


And, of course...Halloween! I LOVE Halloween! We are trying to find the perfect costume for Lily. Any suggestions?

California

We just got back from a week long vacation in Newport Beach. So Much Fun!! We went with my whole family and had such a great time. We hung out on the beach, stayed in the most beautiful hotel, girls went shopping, guys went golfing, we went down to San Diego, went to Disneyland, played games....it was a blast. It was so fun to take Lily to the beach. Anton grew up in La Jolla, so he was right at home on the beach, and couldn't wait to take Lily. She hated it when we dipped her toes in though...it was too cold. Disneyland was a blast!! Lily surprisingly liked the rides...I think all the bright colors and sounds were fun for her. It had been a long time since Anton had gone to Disneyland, so it was fun to go with him...we both had so much fun!! Lily was such a great traveler, I couldn't have asked for a better baby. Thanks Mom and Dad for such a fun trip - we had an absolute blast!!

Ramblings

Things I am loving right now....

*I am in love with this weather. Especially today. The over cast sky reminds me of my amazing trips to England. I wish I was there...what a fun memory.
* I LOVE that our dear friends Dustin & Jamie Tate became parents this past week. She is a darling little bundle, and is so lucky to have them as her parents. Adoption is simply amazing. I couldn't be happier for them!
*I love my new hobby of baking & decorating cakes. I made a cute one this past weekend...I was very proud. I can't wait for a reason to bake another one.

A few things that Lily is loving right now....
* She had discovered her voice. We no longer watch TV in silence....She is always singing along, letting us know she is there.
*She has also discovered that she has hair....and she has learned she can pull on it. The more she pulls, the more upset she gets...therefore, the tighter her fists get. Good thing she has her mom to rescue her! I am a terrible mother - I think it is so funny.
*Turns out she likes you to blow in her face. She thinks that is really funny. I am glad I have a child that is easily entertained.

St. George

We just got back from a fun visit to St. George. Anton had to be down there for work on Thursday, so we decided to make a whole weekend of it, and stayed through Monday. It was so fun to be with Antons family. It was the first time Lily had been down to St. George - and she was such a trooper. She was so good on the drive down, she slept well at night (although she didn't nap very good) and was so happy and mellow the whole time. We went swimming, played tennis, made cookies, went out to dinner...it was so fun. I even saw my first scorpion and black widow...so creepy! It was such a fun trip!

Lily in her new favorite chair. She loves it!

Swimming...she actually really likes the water. She kicks and kicks.

With her Aunt Nicole

Reading with her grandma and Prentice. Yes, that is a Rolling Stones onesie...

Making cookies!

Blessings

Anton is hiking, Lily is asleep…my house is so quiet and peaceful. I sat down at the computer to check my email and read my favorite blogs. I started reading one that really made me look at my life and helped me to realize how richly blessed I am. I became so emotional while reading this woman’s blog. It’s like it helped put things into perspective for me. I have an amazing husband who is not only my husband but my very best friend. I don’t know where I would be if I had not found him. And knowing that I will be with him for eternity is simply amazing. Then there is Lily. All I hope for is that I will be a good mom to her – the kind of mom she deserves. She is so innocent and so sweet – she is straight from heaven. Sometimes I look at her and wonder why I am so lucky to be her mom. I went through some sadness and heartache in the past…and I know Heavenly Father blessed me and sustained me through that time. I realized during that time that I was being sustained. Now as a mother, I know I am being blessed. When Lily was born and the doctor announced I had given birth to a little girl I wept. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I was sent a beautiful little girl. What a tender mercy. Heavenly Father knew in my heart of hearts I wanted a little girl…I needed a little girl. My prayers were answered. I talk all the time of my family, and how much I love them…it’s because they are my everything. I want to be the kind of mom that Lily is proud of and looks up to. I want to make her feel safe, and help her to know how special she really is. I love her so much and recognize that she is one of the greatest blessings I could be given. I am humbled to be her mom and honored to be Anton’s wife.

All about her

Our Lily is growing and growing. Each day it seems like she is doing something new. She is the sweetest, most happy baby - we are having so much fun with her. I can't believe how chubby she is getting - I am having a hard time snapping the bottom buttons on some of her outfits because he thighs are filling out so much! I love it! Here are some pictures of her over the past few weeks. Her latest things are...


*She loves to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the morning after she eats...she laughs and talks the whole time.
*She likes when I am putting a shirt or onesie over her face, and I say "peek-a-boo!". She thinks that is so funny!
*She loves to be held by Anton. The other day I was doing something in the kitchen, and asked Anton to hold her...within two seconds she was comfortable, and closing her eyes. She loves Anton.
*The other thing I absolutely adore about her is she loves to be snuggled. Lately she has also loved having a blankie up to her face when she is settling in - like mother like daughter!!

I saw a saying that says "You Hug My Heart". Lily hugs my heart. I love her.

This was yesterday, just hanging out with us on the couch.

Sorry Anton - your eyes are closed in this picture. It is so cute of Lily though, I couldn't resist. This is one of my favorites of her.

She smiles like her dad - her eyes almost close all the way. So darling!Hanging out in her cool chair while I get ready for the day.